Detailed Georgia Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 (17 with Proof of Emancipation)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. Minors aged 17 can marry if they present proof of emancipation.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: Any County in Georgia
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person Only
- Cost of License: Varies by County
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
Both members of the couple must apply for the marriage license in person. The application requires details such as names, ages, addresses, social security numbers, and, if applicable, proof of divorce.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: Varies by County
- License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony
Marriage licenses are issued immediately upon application. Some counties in Georgia have no expiration date, but all licenses must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days after the wedding to be recorded.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Document Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
Ministers performing weddings in Georgia must be at least 18 years old. There is no statewide registration, but counties may require proof of ordination.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Required to Be Present: Yes
- Witnesses Required: Two
- Couple’s Consent Required: Yes
- Pronouncement Required: Yes
- The proclamation of consent (“I do”).
- The pronouncement by the officiant (“I now pronounce you married”).
- Minimum Age: 18 (17 with Proof of Emancipation)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: Any County in Georgia
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person Only
- Cost of License: Varies by County
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: Varies by County
- License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Document Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
All legally relevant parties must be physically present during the ceremony, including the couple, officiant, and two witnesses. The ceremony must include: Beyond these elements, the ceremony can be customized according to the couple’s preferences.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Required to Be Present: Yes
- Witnesses Required: Two
- Couple’s Consent Required: Yes
- Pronouncement Required: Yes
- The proclamation of consent (“I do”).
- The pronouncement by the officiant (“I now pronounce you married”).
- Minimum Age: 18 (17 with Proof of Emancipation)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: Any County in Georgia
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person Only
- Cost of License: Varies by County
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: Varies by County
- License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Document Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
After the ceremony, the officiant must ensure the marriage license is properly completed, signed by all required parties, and returned to the issuing county office within 30 days. Careful attention to detail is necessary to avoid errors that could lead to delays or reissuance.